December 2025 Report & Trends: Costa Rica Real Estate Market Update

Year-to-Date Insights Compared to 2024

The latest December 2025 Costa Rica Real Estate Market Report highlights a market that is recalibrating rather than retreating. Across regions and property types, we’re seeing a combination of price resilience, rising inventory, and longer absorption periods—creating a more balanced, strategic environment for both buyers and sellers.Below is a clear breakdown of what the data shows and how to interpret it. All figures reflect 2025 year-to-date performance compared to 2024 .

Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula

The Guanacaste / Nicoya region continues to command premium pricing, particularly for lifestyle and luxury properties.

• Median list price: $1,332,551 (▼ 1.8%)

• Median sold price: $707,527 (▼ 16.0%)

• Sold listings: 291 (▼ 5.5%)

• Inventory: 571 homes (▲ 21.5%)

• Average days on market: 355 days (▲ 23.1%)

What this means:

Pricing has softened on the sold side while inventory has increased meaningfully. Buyers now have more leverage and choice, while sellers must price accurately and prepare for longer timelines.

Central & South Pacific

This region stands out for pricing strength on the listing side, driven by continued demand for ocean-view and eco-lifestyle properties.

• Median list price: $1,130,210 (▲ 7.2%)

• Average list price per sq. ft.: $292.21 (▲ 3.9%)

• Inventory: 489 homes (▲ 8.9%)

• Average days on market: 406 days (▲ 47.1%)
  
  

What this means:

Seller confidence remains high, but properties are taking longer to sell. Strategic pricing and strong marketing are essential to convert listings into closings.

Central Valley

The Central Valley continues to be one of Costa Rica’s most stable and accessible markets, supported by local demand and infrastructure.

• Median list price: $618,147 (▲ 6.9%)

• Average list price per sq. ft.: $153.74 (▲ 5.7%)

• Inventory: 382 homes (▼ 5.0%)

• Average days on market: 343 days (▲ 18.3%)
  
  

What this means:

Lower inventory combined with rising prices signals sustained demand. This remains an attractive market for primary residences, relocations, and long-term rentals.

Condominiums

The condo segment has cooled compared to 2024, particularly in transaction volume.

• Median sold price: $410,223 (▼ 4.2%)

• Sold listings: 108 (▼ 20.6%)

• Average sold price per sq. ft.: $221.18 (▼ 9.5%)

• Inventory: 333 units (▲ 4.4%)

• Average days on market: 342 days (▲ 37.0%)

What this means:

Condos are facing more competition and price sensitivity. Well-located, well-managed projects continue to perform best.

Luxury Homes

Luxury real estate in Costa Rica remains a high-value, low-volume segment.

• Median sold price: $1,609,073 (▲ 4.4%)

• Sold listings: 65 (▼ 39.8%)

• Inventory: 442 homes (▲ 11.1%)

• Average days on market: 467 days (▲ 47.5%)
  
  

What this means:

Fewer luxury transactions are closing, but prices remain strong. Sellers should expect longer timelines, while buyers have opportunities to negotiate on exceptional properties.

Residential Lots

Land continues to attract long-term investors and custom-home buyers.

• Median sold price: $251,808 (▼ 4.8%)

• Sold listings: 87 (▼ 21.6%)

• Average sold price per sq. meter: $123.59 (▲ 21.8%)

• Inventory: 743 lots (▲ 14.0%)

• Average days on market: 414 days (▲ 27.2%)

What this means:

While fewer lots are trading, price per square meter is rising—especially for well-located parcels with utilities, views, or development potential.

Big Picture Takeaways

• Inventory is up across most regions and property types

• Days on market are significantly longer than 2024

• Pricing remains resilient in key lifestyle and luxury markets

• Buyers have more negotiating power than in recent years

• Sellers must price strategically and plan for longer absorption periods
  
  

This is no longer a “sell it in a week” market—but it is a healthy, data-driven market that rewards informed decision-making.

Explore the Full Report: Pricing, Inventory & Trends by Region

FAQ: Costa Rica Real Estate Market Update

Is the Costa Rica real estate market crashing?

No — the market is rebalancing, not collapsing. The December 2025 report shows higher inventory and longer days on market, but pricing remains resilient in many lifestyle and luxury areas. That’s a shift toward a healthier market where decisions are more data-driven.

What’s the biggest change from 2024 to 2025?

The biggest change is absorption speed — homes are taking longer to sell across most regions. Inventory is also rising, which means buyers have more options and sellers need better strategy.

Does this mean it’s a buyer’s market now?

In many areas, yes — especially where inventory is up and sales volume has dropped. Buyers often have more leverage through:

• stronger negotiation power

• longer decision windows

• more comparable listings to choose from
  
  

That said, high-demand locations and standout homes still sell well.

What does “days on market is up” mean for buyers?

It usually means buyers can:

• negotiate more confidently

• request inspections/repairs

• compare more properties without pressure
  
  

It also suggests sellers may be more flexible — especially when a listing has been sitting for months.

What does “days on market is up” mean for sellers?

It means you can’t rely on speed alone anymore. To sell successfully, most sellers need:

• accurate pricing from day one

• strong photo/video marketing

• clear property positioning (views, location, rental value, lifestyle)

• a strategy to stand out in rising inventory
  
  

What’s happening in Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula?

The region remains premium-priced, but the data shows:

• sold prices softened

• inventory increased significantly

• timelines are longer

Translation: buyers have more choices, and sellers need to be sharp about pricing and presentation.

Is the Central Valley still a strong market?

Yes — the Central Valley remains one of the more stable regions due to local demand and infrastructure. With lower inventory and rising prices, it continues to be attractive for:

• primary residences

• relocations

• long-term rentals
  
  

Are condominiums a good investment right now?

Condos are more competitive than last year. The report shows:

• fewer sales

• slightly lower pricing

• rising days on market
  
  

But well-located, well-managed condos in strong lifestyle zones can still perform — especially those with:

• proven rental history

• desirable walkability

• strong HOA management
  
  

Why are luxury homes taking longer to sell?

Luxury is a high-value, low-volume segment. Buyers are more selective, and transactions tend to involve:

• more due diligence

• longer decision cycles

• negotiation around value vs. uniqueness

Great properties still move — but strategy matters more than ever.

Is land still a smart investment in Costa Rica?

Land remains popular — especially for:

• long-term investors

• custom home buyers

• lifestyle relocators
  
  

Even though fewer lots sold, price per square meter increased. The strongest parcels tend to have:

• utilities access

• road access

• views

• strong development potential
  
  

If I’m buying in 2026, what should I do first?

Start with clarity:

• define your ideal region + lifestyle

• review market comps with a professional

• understand HOA costs, taxes, and closing costs

• confirm rental potential (if investment-based)
  
  

A strategy-first approach protects you from emotional purchases.

How do I know if a property is priced correctly?

A good agent should show you pricing based on:

• real sold comparables (not just list prices)

• time on market trends

• inventory competition

• condition, location, and uniqueness
  
  

In today’s market, pricing correctly is the difference between selling — and sitting.

What makes Coldwell Banker Costa Rica different in a shifting market?

In an adjusting market, the difference is guidance and reach. Coldwell Banker Costa Rica combines:

• local expertise by region

• a nationwide network

• global reach through the Coldwell Banker brand

• data-driven pricing + marketing strategy
  
  

Can you help me interpret this report for my specific goals?

Yes. The report is market-wide — but your decision should be personalized based on:

• your target region

• your property type

• your timeline

• whether it’s lifestyle, relocation, or investment-driven
  
  
  

Why Work with Coldwell Banker Costa Rica

At Coldwell Banker Costa Rica, we use real market data—like this report—to guide pricing, marketing strategy, and investment decisions across every region of the country. Our nationwide network and global reach ensure that buyers and sellers are positioned for success, even in a shifting market.

Ready to Make a Move?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in Costa Rica, our team is here to help you navigate the market with clarity, confidence, and local expertise.

Contact Coldwell Banker Costa Rica to discuss what these market trends mean for your specific goals.